Let's not get too optimistic. Here's why.

[Dizzyphil]

Central Michigan had almost as many yards as we had on offense versus Purdue, but gave up over 100 yards less to Purdue on defense. They also allowed Purdue only 16 first downs. (We allowed 23.) And the game was on Purdue's home field.

Hey, I want to be as positive as anyone else, so please don't leave the standard response.

I am just making a simple point.

I too do not want to bash another ND fan but, c'mon. If you want to play the game on paper then find a fantasy league. Fact is, games are played on the field - - period. Game stats are nothing more than numbers and averages. We beat Purdue, now it is on to Stanford.

 

[NDinL.A.]

I agree with you NeuteredDoomer. I personally have no problem with a guy saying for us not to get overexcited about one win; hell, I was preaching patience the entire offseason. We were 3-9 for Pate's sake last year.

However, I have a problem with the premise. Just because 'Team A' beat 'Team B', and Team B beat 'Team C', it doesn't mean that Team A will beat 'Team C'. And the same thing goes for his stats. ND and Central Michigan are totally different teams, playing under totally different circumstances. It's a totally different ballgame.

I had this same argument with another poster after last week's game. He was all into stats and gave me a million numbers of why our offense wasn't improving and why JC wasn't any good. And I kept on coming back w/ how I saw progress with MY EYES (the way we played, adjustments by receivers, improved athleticism, JC's 'zip', etc.) Stats are good for certain things, but they don't tell nearly the whole story. If you rely on pure stats as that one poster did, then you are missing most of the story. Because there are tons of things stats can't cover.

But the original poster is right in a way. We have a long ways to go. We're nowhere near BCS ready ----- yet. But it was good to get a dominating win, to play good football, and I for one was happy to enjoy more than a few beers in celebration that night, negative posters be damned...

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

This was the perfect weekend for me - my beloved Irish won again. Florida lost and, thank God, SC lost! I get to come to work with ND winning and SC losing (which hasn't happened very often in recent years) and gloat around all the Trojans I work with. I know I shouldn't be happy in the misery of others, but...oh well. FRICKIN' SC LOST!!!

But seriously, we are 3-1 which I am happy with right now. I don't care about the rankings or whether we are ready for the BCS or not. It doesn't matter. The bottom line is we are 3-1, we are very young and getting better every week. Freshmen and Sophomores are leading the way. Look out because we are on our way. We are not there yet, "but the times they are a changin'!"

 

[kmoose]

Purdue is a good veteran team, and we handed them their ass. Going back to the second half of the MSU game, this offense has looked very good over their last 5-6 quarters. They're starting to get that same swagger that the '05 offense had.

No offense, but this post is exactly why this thread is needed. Were you people watching the same game that I was? ND played HORRIBLY in the first half. They looked like a repeat of 2007 in the first two quarters of the Purdue game. Now, they did come out and take care of business in the second half. I'm not trying to take that away from them. But neither am I forgetting the pathetic first half, either. Think of this game as a school year. There are two semesters (halves). You fail the first semester miserably, then come back with a monster second semester. Do your profs just forget about the first semester, when it comes time for your final grade? Do they only look at the positives? Or do they shake their heads slowly, and say, "This grade could have been a lot better, if only they had performed like this in the first semester."? Some people on here are talking like the Irish running game is somehow "Holtz-esque". It was one half. It was a great half, and I commend everyone associated with the team for it. But they have to keep that momentum (and quality of play) going now. If they fall flat on their faces to Stanford, then the second half of Purdue means nothing.

 

[WaveDomer]

Valid

Valid

I think it's valid to look at that as a reason not to get over optimistic. That's fine. But remember, the New England Patriots, on paper, were the best team in the history of the universe last year. Numbers are fine, but there's a reason you play the game.

 

[kmoose]

I think it's valid to look at that as a reason not to get over optimistic. That's fine. But remember, the New England Patriots, on paper, were the best team in the history of the universe last year. Numbers are fine, but there's a reason you play the game.

I'm not the original poster, but the numbers, to me, just serve as a reminder. Can anyone who watched the first half really say that it gave them any reason to be excited? The second half, yes. But not the first half. If we play a first half like that against a USC, we will be so far out of it at the half that the New England Patriots themselves couldn't get us back into it.

 

[grantphilly]

some ppl are just never happy i guess....jfc =\

i like to say jesus fried chicken

 

[WaveDomer]

Agree

Agree

I'm not the original poster, but the numbers, to me, just serve as a reminder. Can anyone who watched the first half really say that it gave them any reason to be excited? The second half, yes. But not the first half. If we play a first half like that against a USC, we will be so far out of it at the half that the New England Patriots themselves couldn't get us back into it.

I'm agreeing not to get to optimistic, but also not to overanalyze numbers.

 

[JeremyND07]

I'm not the original poster, but the numbers, to me, just serve as a reminder. Can anyone who watched the first half really say that it gave them any reason to be excited? The second half, yes. But not the first half. If we play a first half like that against a USC, we will be so far out of it at the half that the New England Patriots themselves couldn't get us back into it.

I agree the first half was horrible and I through a few things after some of the horrible play calling!!!! The second half our offense looked great and the OL came out fired up. The DB's are my biggest concern after the OL has started showing promise! CB was a DB coach in the pros, right? So, the future should be bright but I am so sick of seeing the 10 yard cushion on 3rd and long!!!!!!! Overall a great game for the Irish OFFENSE!

 

[Easton Pa ND Fan]

Agree..

Agree..

Central Michigan had almost as many yards as we had on offense versus Purdue, but gave up over 100 yards less to Purdue on defense. They also allowed Purdue only 16 first downs. (We allowed 23.) And the game was on Purdue's home field.

Hey, I want to be as positive as anyone else, so please don't leave the standard response.

I am just making a simple point.

I do see improvement from last year, but the down and
up nature of the last two games tells me to wait till
we're half way through the schedule before I hang my
ND flag. (I have Penn Stater's with flags on both sides)
...Tom

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

I do see improvement from last year, but the down and
up nature of the last two games tells me to wait till
we're half way through the schedule before I hang my
ND flag. (I have Penn Stater's with flags on both sides)
...Tom

I don't understand this post at all. You wait until half way through the season to see if you want to hang your ND flag? I wore ND shirts and flew my ND flag all through last season and I did it with pride deep in the heart of Trojan country. I am proud to be Irish through and through no matter what our record is. What I love about ND goes so far beyond just the football portion of it. Sure, the football team is a big part of my year, but c'mon. If you can't muster up the courage to fly the flag year 'round, then there is something wrong. I have been with this team through good times and bad and my love for this school and this team is NOT dictated by wins and losses!!!

 

[Easton Pa ND Fan]

I'm waiting for Penn State...

I'm waiting for Penn State...

I don't understand this post at all. You wait until half way through the season to see if you want to hang your ND flag? I wore ND shirts and flew my ND flag all through last season and I did it with pride deep in the heart of Trojan country. I am proud to be Irish through and through no matter what our record is. What I love about ND goes so far beyond just the football portion of it. Sure, the football team is a big part of my year, but c'mon. If you can't muster up the courage to fly the flag year 'round, then there is something wrong. I have been with this team through good times and bad and my love for this school and this team is NOT dictated by wins and losses!!!

to stumble and ND to look good in at least 2 to 3
games to really rub it in with the neighbors...Tom

 

[beatrizandjess]

I think i wear my shirt and fly my flags more after a tough loss. Knowing my team fights hard. I come from cali so all i hear is fight on and i tell them to shove those two fingers up there you know what.

 

[NDinL.A.]

I don't understand this post at all. You wait until half way through the season to see if you want to hang your ND flag? I wore ND shirts and flew my ND flag all through last season and I did it with pride deep in the heart of Trojan country. I am proud to be Irish through and through no matter what our record is. What I love about ND goes so far beyond just the football portion of it. Sure, the football team is a big part of my year, but c'mon. If you can't muster up the courage to fly the flag year 'round, then there is something wrong. I have been with this team through good times and bad and my love for this school and this team is NOT dictated by wins and losses!!!

Yeah, last year was tough bro, especially down here in SoCal where USC keeps ringing up wins and has a major win streak going against us. I literally work a block away from the north side of USC's campus. But like you, I wear my ND gear with pride, win or lose, right here in South Central. Stick with your team through everything; then you're a true fan. (That was my problem w/ GD93, who disappeared after the MSUcks loss; hope the guy is alright).

P.S. Do you know of ND any Irish bars in the O.C./L.A. areas? I always have an ND house to watch it at, but all my ND friends were out of town, and I just watched it at home, when a bar would've been a much more fun place. I'd like to have a back-up just in case...

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Yeah, last year was tough bro, especially down here in SoCal where USC keeps ringing up wins and has a major win streak going against us. I literally work a block away from the north side of USC's campus. But like you, I wear my ND gear with pride, win or lose, right here in South Central. Stick with your team through everything; then you're a true fan. (That was my problem w/ GD93, who disappeared after the MSUcks loss; hope the guy is alright).

P.S. Do you know of ND any Irish bars in the O.C./L.A. areas? I always have an ND house to watch it at, but all my ND friends were out of town, and I just watched it at home, when a bar would've been a much more fun place. I'd like to have a back-up just in case...

Last year was really rough, but you know what one of the best moments is? It's when you are going through a tough year like that and you come across someone else wearing ND gear and you just give them the head nod and a "Go Irish" and you both just know that you are REAL fans - not just fair weather fans. I am the same way with the Kings. I live in Ducks country but I wear my purple and black with pride. It is easy to be a fan in good times, but it takes true heart to represent your team during the "down" years.

As far as the bars for ND games - I have a list at home I will send you. There are a few good places in OC that I have been to, but I have some info for places up in LA too. When I get off work, I will send them over to you.

Keep wearing your gear with pride!

 

[03euroSVT]

Great posts NDLA and Go Irish!!!

I always wear ND and I'll admit it Purdue gear. No matter what the teams may have done the previous weeks, months or years. My grandfather went to Purdue to get his Bachelors degree and then to ND for his Masters. My father went to Purdue and thus my liking for Purdue.

I have also lived in Mishawaka, IN and Osceola, IN all my life and have always rooted for ND. There's nothing better than being an Irish Fan.

WE ARE ND !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kmoose]

.....I have also lived in Mishawaka, IN and Osceola, IN all my life ......

My condolences!

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

to stumble and ND to look good in at least 2 to 3
games to really rub it in with the neighbors...Tom

So, your outward support of your team is conditional upon how they do. They have to prove something to you first before you will commit to giving them any support or fly your colors? Waiting for another team to stumble or waiting for the Irish to put together so many W's is a pretty lame attitude in my opinion. So keep all your ND stuff stashed away in a drawer somewhere until you feel it is safe to bring them out so other people won't say anything to you. The rest of us will wear our gear and yell our lungs out no matter what. Even in the midst of a three win season last year, I wore my shirt and blew out my voice on many occasions while watching games. I am Irish through and through.

ND 'til I die!!!!

 

[beatrizandjess]

You could not have said it any better
GO IRISH!! ND 'til I die

 

[ACamp1900]

There is a stark contrast in the play of a team waiting to lose and a team expecting to win. The belief that they not only have the ability to win, but that they are going to win is fundamental in the latter. The deflation of emotion, win or loss, has been a self-admitted error on Coach Weis' part and, in my opinion, the team has shown enough spark around which they can rally and continue to improve and win games. Additionally, the lackluster performance in the first half largely skews the stats of a textbook second half. Just some things to consider.

beat me to it.... until this past week (even in the games we won last year and THIS year) the team was obviously waiting for the shit to drop... you could just SEE IT, the whole team was just waiting for something bad to happen... all of last year and the first two and a half games of this year... I think it turned in the fourth Q of the MSU game, regardless of score you could just sense the guys finally pull out of that self defeating tone.... and all game last sat. for the first time in the JC era the team came out expecting to win, not waiting to lose and won a big game....

THAT in itself is huge... now lets see where they can take it from here...

 

[Easton Pa ND Fan]

Lifelong subway alum...

Lifelong subway alum...

So, your outward support of your team is conditional upon how they do. They have to prove something to you first before you will commit to giving them any support or fly your colors? Waiting for another team to stumble or waiting for the Irish to put together so many W's is a pretty lame attitude in my opinion. So keep all your ND stuff stashed away in a drawer somewhere until you feel it is safe to bring them out so other people won't say anything to you. The rest of us will wear our gear and yell our lungs out no matter what. Even in the midst of a three win season last year, I wore my shirt and blew out my voice on many occasions while watching games. I am Irish through and through.

ND 'til I die!!!!

remember a b/w tv on a saturday afternoon. Sis playing
with her dolls, dad in his easy chair and mom bringing
in tv dinners so we could watch that team and not lose
game time by being at the dinner table. Didn't know
ND had gold helmets, just a neat team that played on
tv on saturday afternoons with 'grey' helmets and a
catchy fight song...Tom

Did

 

[Easton Pa ND Fan]

Represent you team?

Represent you team?

Last year was really rough, but you know what one of the best moments is? It's when you are going through a tough year like that and you come across someone else wearing ND gear and you just give them the head nod and a "Go Irish" and you both just know that you are REAL fans - not just fair weather fans. I am the same way with the Kings. I live in Ducks country but I wear my purple and black with pride. It is easy to be a fan in good times, but it takes true heart to represent your team during the "down" years.

As far as the bars for ND games - I have a list at home I will send you. There are a few good places in OC that I have been to, but I have some info for places up in LA too. When I get off work, I will send them over to you.

Keep wearing your gear with pride!

How about having a home equity loan to pay off ND tuition
for your son, because you would rather take out a loan and
send him to ND rather than pay tuition to Penn St...Tom

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

How about having a home equity loan to pay off ND tuition
for your son, because you would rather take out a loan and
send him to ND rather than easily pay tuition to Penn
St?

So, all the more reason to fly the flag with pride no matter what! Stand up and say "you're damn right I have an ND flag and I am giving all I can for my son to get a top notch education!" Last I checked your son's education is not dependent of wins and losses.

 

[YoderDame]

So, all the more reason to fly the flag with pride no matter what! Stand up and say "you're damn right I have an ND flag and I am giving all I can for my son to get a top notch education!" Last I checked your son's education is not dependent of wins and losses.

Amen!

P.L.A.C.T.
GO IRISH!!!

 

[no.1IrishFan]

Great posts NDLA and Go Irish!!!

I always wear ND and I'll admit it Purdue gear. No matter what the teams may have done the previous weeks, months or years. My grandfather went to Purdue to get his Bachelors degree and then to ND for his Masters. My father went to Purdue and thus my liking for Purdue.

I have also lived in Mishawaka, IN and Osceola, IN all my life and have always rooted for ND. There's nothing better than being an Irish Fan.

WE ARE ND !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I lived in Elkhart for almost 20 years and if ND hadnt been so close I would have probobly gone crazy living there. South Florida is much better, except all these hurricanes.The storms suck too! lol

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

So, your outward support of your team is conditional upon how they do. They have to prove something to you first before you will commit to giving them any support or fly your colors? Waiting for another team to stumble or waiting for the Irish to put together so many W's is a pretty lame attitude in my opinion. So keep all your ND stuff stashed away in a drawer somewhere until you feel it is safe to bring them out so other people won't say anything to you. The rest of us will wear our gear and yell our lungs out no matter what. Even in the midst of a three win season last year, I wore my shirt and blew out my voice on many occasions while watching games. I am Irish through and through.

ND 'til I die!!!!

Ummm you are very much talking to the wrong guy. Easton is nothing if not a big fan...

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

So, your outward support of your team is conditional upon how they do. They have to prove something to you first before you will commit to giving them any support or fly your colors? Waiting for another team to stumble or waiting for the Irish to put together so many W's is a pretty lame attitude in my opinion. So keep all your ND stuff stashed away in a drawer somewhere until you feel it is safe to bring them out so other people won't say anything to you. The rest of us will wear our gear and yell our lungs out no matter what. Even in the midst of a three win season last year, I wore my shirt and blew out my voice on many occasions while watching games. I am Irish through and through.

ND 'til I die!!!!

While I appreciate your passion, Tom is good people Go...Trust me. He's Gold and Blue through and through. The man loves the Irish and has earned the benefit of the doubt.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

While I appreciate your passion, Tom is good people Go...Trust me. He's Gold and Blue through and through. The man loves the Irish and has earned the benefit of the doubt.

Never once did I say otherwise. Never attacked him personally, just questioned his motives for not flying his flag. Sounded weird to me. Never questioned him as a man, just said it was strange. I am not a name caller or an instigator and if anything was taken wrong, I apologize for any miscommunication or lack of writing ability on my part, but I stand behind my questioning of the example provided. He is putting his kid through college, it is obvious he is good people.

 

[kicker20]

Central Michigan had almost as many yards as we had on offense versus Purdue, but gave up over 100 yards less to Purdue on defense. They also allowed Purdue only 16 first downs. (We allowed 23.) And the game was on Purdue's home field.

Hey, I want to be as positive as anyone else, so please don't leave the standard response.

I am just making a simple point.

Coming from a former players point of view, every team we play looks at ND as their bowl game. They will use all their trick plays, fake kicks, etc..This team will be no different.

 

[03euroSVT]

I lived in Elkhart for almost 20 years and if ND hadnt been so close I would have probobly gone crazy living there. South Florida is much better, except all these hurricanes.The storms suck too! lol

I know what you mean about going crazy around here. There really isn't much to do so that's why we take frequent trips to Chicago, Lake Michigan, Indianapolis, etc. Something that's is a nice weekend get away.

My wife won't move from the area but if I could, I would move from here in a heart beat.